ART-0670: The Volley Against the Kick Serve — Handling High-Bouncing Returns
Executive Summary
The kick serve bounces high and kicks to the returner's backhand or body. When you are the net player in doubles facing a kick serve return, the high bounce forces contact above the ideal volley height. Handling kick serve returns requires letting the ball drop, using a closed racket face, and employing a downward punch volley.
The Kick Serve Return
The kick serve return: (1) bounces high (often above shoulder height), (2) kicks forward and to the side, (3) is difficult to hit aggressively (the returner must generate their own pace). At the net, the kick serve return arrives at head height or above, requiring adjustments to standard volley technique.
Volley Technique Against Kick Serve Returns
Against kick serve returns: (1) let the ball drop to a comfortable contact height, (2) close the racket face more than usual (the topspin causes the ball to jump), (3) use a downward punch volley, (4) aim deep to the baseline. The key is to handle the high bounce and heavy topspin with a closed face and downward angle.
Common Errors
Not letting the ball drop (contact too high, weak volley). Not closing the face enough (ball goes long). Using a flat punch (the topspin causes the ball to jump). Not anticipating the high bounce.
Summary
Kick serve returns demand a closed racket face and downward punch volley. Let the ball drop, close the face, and punch downward to control the high-bouncing return.
Diagnostic & Training Matrix
| Observation | Failure | Result | Corrective Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volley goes long | Face too open, not handling topspin | Ball past baseline | Close face more, punch downward |
| Contact too high | Not letting ball drop | Weak volley | Let ball drop to comfortable height |
| Cannot handle kick | Not anticipating topspin | Erratic contact | Close face, anticipate kick |
| Volley lacks downward angle | Flat punch | Easy return | Use downward punch volley |
Practical Application: "Let It Drop, Close the Face, Punch Down"
Against kick serve returns: (1) let the ball drop, (2) close the racket face, (3) punch downward. The high bounce is manageable with the right technique.